Upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 7 on a laptop.
Upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 7 on a laptop.
A family member owns a laptop running Windows 8 that was upgraded to 8.1 last month. The 8/8.1 version interferes with their studies, so they’re seeking a 7 Home Premium edition. The machine is an ASUS K56CA and has drivers for Windows 7 x64 on the manufacturer’s site. However, installing 7 is proving extremely difficult. When attempting installation from the official DVD (not a copy), it freezes right after 'Loading Windows Setup Files'. After that, accessing the bootable USB (created with x17-58997.iso and Rufus for UEFI/FAT32) results in an error. When I try to launch the Setup app on the USB inside Windows 8.1, I reach the section where I can choose the installation drive. I’ve used both the SSD and the HDD drives. Still, the setup hangs on the Start menu screen. Trying safe mode shows it’s stuck on disk.sys; it looks like the drive is a hybrid SSD/HDD, though I thought 7 would work. I plan to open it to check if the drives are separate, but doubt it. I really need guidance here. Linux isn’t an option and this version is putting my relative’s laptop at risk... EDIT: It turns out the SSD and HDD are distinct. It seems the SSD is positioned nearer the motherboard. I’m planning to try removing it to see if I can use just the HDD.**
They've been dealing with it for roughly a year. With each passing day, their frustration grows even more.
Open the Start Menu for Windows 8. It works great. Windows 7 is fine, but it's improved.
They’re not very old—mid-range age. They’re much more comfortable with computers than my parents were. A lot of tools on 8 can interfere with programs and tasks needed for their online course. Sometimes it’s just a mistake hitting a shortcut and then having to go back, or they don’t support certain software they need. I set one up when the laptop was purchased. It mostly helps me since I’m their IT tech. The start menu doesn’t relate to their complaints about 8.
The removal of the 24GB SSD resolved the problem. Windows 7 is set up, and I'm installing all the necessary drivers. The next step is figuring out what to do with the SSD—using it as a compact data storage device like a USB thumb drive is an option.